Marilyn Monroe's Changing Looks

1.
1931

Born in Los Angeles to a single mother, Monroe spent much of her childhood with a foster family. Although her birth certificate gives her name as Norma Jeane Mortensen, she was later called Norma Jeane Baker.

2.
1940

The 14-year-old had naturally curly reddish-brown hair-and a newfound effect on men. "I had this long walk to school, it was just sheer pleasure," she told Life of her high school years. "Every fellow honked his horn-the world became friendly."

Everett Collection

3.
1948

Renamed Marilyn Monroe and reborn as a platinum blonde, she took a supporting role in Ladies of the Chorus.

4.
1950

A year of contrasts: she was awarded a prestige role in The Asphalt Jungleand named Miss Cheesecake by Stars and Stripes magazine.

John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images

5.
1950

An elegant updo revealed Monroe's natural widow's peak in All About Eve.

6.
1952

The Don’t Bother to Knock star wore her white-blond locks in a voluminous pageboy. She was also known to accentuate her eyes with a half-strip of false lashes.

Alfred Eisenstaedt/Time Life Staff

7.
1953

The red-lipped bombshell showcased her comedic skills in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire. The following year, her fame skyrocketed when she married baseball player Joe DiMaggio.

Sam Shaw/Rex USA

8.
1957

Having moved to New York to study acting under Lee Strasberg, the new Mrs. Arthur Miller took a role across from Sir Laurence Olivier in The Prince and the Showgirl.

John Kobal Foundation/Getty Images

9.
1961

A year before her death, she completed her final film, The Misfits.

Hulton Archive/Getty Images

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1931

Born in Los Angeles to a single mother, Monroe spent much of her childhood with a foster family. Although her birth certificate gives her name as Norma Jeane Mortensen, she was later called Norma Jeane Baker.